Charleston, South Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Charleston regulates short-term rentals in all areas of the city. Short-term rentals are defined as "A conditional use to provide sleeping accommodations for a period of between one (1) and twenty-nine (29) consecutive days. This use is further defined in this section as either a commercial short-term rental use or a residential short-term rental use with different permitting and operational requirements for each type of short-term rental use.” Commercial Short Term Rental - a conditional use whereby a conforming or legal nonconforming dwelling unit is converted into a fully-functioning, private accommodations use, which includes cooking, living, sanitary and sleeping facilities within one dwelling unit, to be rented to one (1) family for a period of between one (1) and twenty-nine (29) consecutive days. A short-term commercial rental shall only be permitted as a conditional use. Distinguishing characteristics of a short term rental are: 

• it has all the attributes of a typical dwelling unit, including cooking, living, sanitary, and sleeping facilities, 
• is occupied by not more than four (4) unrelated people pursuant to the definition of family, and 
• is located on a commercially zoned property with a limited number of short-term rental units if more than one such unit is provided. 

 Commercial Short Term Rental is only allowed in the following zoning districts: CT, LB, GB, UC, MU-1, MU-1/WH, MU-2, or MU-2/WH, and Short Term, ST Overlay Zone, as shown on the Zoning Map.  Residential Short Term Rental - Conditional use whereby the record owner of a property, who is also a resident of the property, uses one (1) or more rooms on the property for the purpose of providing sleeping accommodations for no more than four (4) adults (18 years and older) for a period of between one (1) and twenty-nine (29) consecutive days.  A residential short-term rental use may be permitted as a Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 STR Permit. While hosting short-term guests, a resident must be present in the home. While the homeowner is not required to be present at all times while guests are present, at least one full-time resident must sleep in the house each night of the renters' stay.

• Only homes on the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for short-term rental in Category 1, which includes the Old and Historic District. 
• With the exception of the STR Overlay Zone, the rest of the peninsula is classified as Category 2. Category 2 properties must be at least fifty years old to qualify. 
• The rest of the city is classified as Category 3, which includes the incorporated communities of West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Cainhoy, and Daniel Island. There is no restriction on the age of the property in these places. For more information regarding the category, see Sec. 54-208.

For more information, see Charleston Short-Term Rental Ordinance. 

Business License Requirements

Charleston requires short-term rental businesses to obtain either a Residential Short Term Rental Application or Commercial Short Term Rental Application. You will also need a Charleston County Short-Term Rental Certificate.

Building and Housing Standards

The City of Charleston has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please consult the City of Charleston Building Code and contact the Building Inspections Department for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

Accommodation taxes must be collected by short-term rental operators. Even if you hire a property manager, it is ultimately your responsibility as the property owner to collect these taxes from the tenants and submit them to the appropriate state and local authorities. Find out more about the accommodations tax.

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Charleston for more information.